Garment or ironing press



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GARMENT OR IRONING PRESS Original Filed July 5, 1929 7 SheetsSheet 1 AWN F lggfi E DAWS zfi fifi l GARMENT'OR IRONING PRESS Original Filed July 3, 1929 '7 SheetsSheet 2 A TTORNEYfi A ril I mm, E, Mm zmwm GARMENT OR IRONING PRESS Original Filed July 5, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

1 ATTORNEYfi,

Apxrili 7 ll@@. E. DAVIS zfl fifizfi GARMENT OR IRONING PRESS Original Filed July 3, 1929 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Apwifl 7;, 1E AV GARMENT CR IRONING PRESS Original Filed July 3, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 A TTORNEY5 GARMENT OR IRQNING PRESS Original Filed July 5, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed July 3, 1929 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 ATTORNEY6 Patented Apr. 7, 1936 ATE? FFIQE GARMENT OR IRONING PRESS Application July 3, 1929, Serial No. 375,681 Renewed May 10, 1934 34 Claims.

This invention relates to pressing machines, such as garment, ironing and laundry presses, and has for one of its objects, a particularly simple and elficient actuating or motion transmitting mechanism including an automatic fol"- low up mechanism which causes the press to deliver uniform maximum or predetermined pressure with a given actuating force without adjustments, regardless of the thickness of the work and of the padding on one or both of the pressing elements, and regardless of the amount of compression of, or settling of, the padding.

Another object of the invention is to devise a new and novel actuating mechanism for a garment or ironing press including two motors in which one motor is controlled by manually operable control means and the other motor is controlled automatically upon a predetermined extent of movement thereof.

The invention consists of the novel features and in the combinations and constructions hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In describing this invention reference is had to the accompanying drawings in which like characters designate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figures 1 and 2 are side elevations of pressing machines embodying slightly different exemplications of my invention.

Figures 3 and 4 are enlarged fragmentary rea and side elevations of the toggle links and booster lever.

Figure 5 is a sectional view, partly diagrammatic, of the operator-operated controls for the actuating mechanism, the motors or pistons and cylinders for closing the press under initial and final pressure being also shown.

Figures 6, '7 and 8 are views, similar to Figure 5, of modified connections of the control shown in Figure 5.

Figures 9 and 10 are views similar to Figures 4 and 5 of a modified form of the parts seen in Figures 3 and 4.

This invention comprises generally, an actuating or motion transmitting mechanism for the movable element or jaw of a garment or ironing press comprising two sections, one of which acts to close the press from wide open position to closed, or nearly closed position, or to close the press under light pressure, that is, light pressure compared with final heavy pressure, or to initially or preliminarily close the press, and the other of which boosts the pressure through the former section or a portion thereof, after the press has been initially closed. The pressure delivered under comparatively light pressure is usually the maximum pressure that can be applied by the motor means before the resistance to the head overcomes the motor means, just prior to the booster operation. 5

More specifically, the actuating or motion transmitting mechanism comprises a toggle for closing the press and means for boosting one of the links of the toggle preferably, the link connected to the movable pressing element or head after the toggle has straightened as far as it can straighten under conditions such as thickness of the work, padding, etc., said link being connected to the other toggle link to have an endwise movement relatively thereto during the boosting operation. The boosting operation may take place in any nearly straightened position the toggle assumes. The toggle does not have to be in its dead center line during the boosting operation as means is provided for preventing folding up action or retrograde action of the toggle during the boosting operation.

I have here illustrated my invention as embodied in a conventional type of garment and laundry press in which the cooperating pressing elements or jaws are a head I movable toward and from a buck 2, the latter being mounted upon the frame 3 of the machine. The head I is supported by the usual lever 4 pivoted at 5 between its ends to a standard 6 rising from the frame.

The motion transmitting mechanism, in addition to the lever 4, comprises toggle links 'I and 8 pivoted together at 9, the link I being pivoted at its upper end at II) to the rear arm of the lever 4 and the link 3 being pivoted at its lower end at I I to the base of the frame.

In the illustrated embodiment of my invention, the toggle is straightened by suitable motor means and preferably the motor means is pres- 40 sure operated and is here shown as a cylinder I2 having a piston I3 therein, the rod I4 of which is pivoted at I 5 to the front end of an arm I6 forming an angle lever with the link 8. The cylinder is pivoted at IT to the frame to have an oscillating movement during the opening and closing of the press.

The link I is connnected to the link 8 to have an endwise or thrusting movement relatively thereto and the pivot or knuckle pin 9 is here shown as extending through a lengthwise slot I8 in the lower end of the link .I. The slot permits the relative endwise or boosting movement of the link I.

The means for closing the press under final pressure comprises a booster, cam bar, or pry lever i9 pivoted at 20 to the frame (Figure 1) and extending rearwardly and having its rear end. arranged to coact with a shoulder 22 on the link 7 after the press is initially closed, or the toggle is in substantially straightened position or straightened position. The shoulder is obviously out of juxtaposition with the booster lever l9 when the press is open and the toggle folded, and is movable into juxtaposition to the lever I9 as the toggle straightens.

The lever l9 is provided With a face 2| at its rear end extending in a general direction concentric with the arc AA of movement of the joint 9 of the toggle and being normally so located that the shoulder 22 on the link slightly clears the face during the straightening operation of the toggle.

As here shown, the shoulder or bearing surface 22, provided at the lower end of the link 1 or on the bearing of the link l which receives the pivot or knuckle pin 9, and also the face 2| is so formed. as to prevent retrograde movement of the toggle during the boosting or prying action of the lever As here illustrated, the shoulder 22 and face 2| are provided with small interlocking toothed or rough coacting faces 229, 2|fl.

As seen in Figures 9 and 10, instead of interlocking or rough toothed surfaces, the link 1 and the lever |9 may be provided with coacting wedge means in the form of a groove 10 provided on one of the coacting parts as the lower end of the link 7, and the pry lever l9 may be formed with a complemental wedge shaped rib I99. The rib and the groove normally slidably fit together so that there is no lost motion to take up to wedge or look the parts together when the pry lever commences to act.

The groove 79 and the wedge |90 are are shaped and extend in arcs substantially concentric with the arc of movement to the knuckle joint of the toggle.

In Figure 1, the lever I9 is shown as pivoted at its forward end and the power for actuating it appli d thereto near its rear end.

In Figure 2, the corresponding lever l9 is pivoted between its ends at 29 and the power is applied from the front end of the lever. The power is applied to the booster lever in either case by motor means, preferably a pressure operated motor as a cylinder 23 and piston 24 movable therein, the rod 25 of which is connected either directly or through motion transmitting mechanism to the booster lever.

In the constluction shown in Figure l, the piston rod 25 is connected to a rock arm 26 mounted on a shaft 2? journalled in a bracket on the frame and having a cam 28 thereon which coacts with a pin or follower 29 on the booster lever l9.

In Figure 1, the cylinder 23 is pivoted at its lower end at 30 to the frame below the lever I9 and the piston moves upwardly on its power stroke.

In the form shown in Figure 2, the piston rod 25 of the piston movable in the cylinder 23 is pivoted directly to the front arm of the lever I9 The pistons i3 and 24 are single acting and the press is opened by countersprings 3| when the pressure in both cylinders is released.

The flow of motive fluid, as compressed air, to and from the cylinder i2 is controlled in any suitable manner and neither the motor nor the control means per se, forms part of this invention and the toggle links and 8, and the pry lever or booster lever I9 may be actuated in any suitable manner, as long as the motors are operated successively.

The control means here shown comprises a valve casing 32 having a normally closed spring pressed intake valve 33 and a normally open exhaust valve 34 therein, these being connected by a stem 35 so that they act as a unit, and operating means therefor. The intake end of the valve casing 32 is connected to a pipe 36 leading from any suitable source of supply of motive fluid. The valve casing 32 is connected at a point between the valves 32, 34 to a pipe 31 leading to a coupling 38 opening into an intake port 39 at the upper end of the cylinder 2. The valves 33, 34 are operated by manual means as a push button 46, and the motion of the push button is transmitted through a lever 4| and an intermediate lever 42 to the stem 43 of the exhaust valve 34.

The action of the lever 4| by the push button is against the action of a returning spring 44. Obviously, upon depression of the push button 49, motive fluid, as air, is free to flow from the feed line 33 through the valve casing 32, pipe 32 to the cylinder I2 and when these valves are in their normal position, air is free to exhaust from the cylinder |2, through pipe 31 and valve casing 32. The valves are locked in their operated position by pressure operated means as a diaphragm chamber 45 having a diaphragm 46 therein, the pressure side of the diaphragm chamber being connected by a pipe 4! to a coupling 48 in a pipe 49 which communicates with a valve casing 59 on the side of the cylinder, this valve casing having a port 5|) opening into the cylinder in position to be uncovered or passed by the piston |3 when the piston approaches the end of its power stroke. When this occurs, air pressure passes from the cylinder back through the pipes 49, ll to the diaphragm chamber 45 to actuate the diaphragm 46 therein and the movement of the diaphragm is transferred through a sliding stem 5| to the intermediate lever 42 and thus locks the valves 33, 34 in their operated position.

In order to require both hands of the operator to be used when closing the press, a second push button or manual 52 is provided which, through levers 53, 54 corresponding to the levers 4|, 42 acts on the stem 55 of a normally open exhaust valve 56 in a valve casing 51, this casing being connected by a pipe 58 to the coupling 38. This exhause valve 56 is held in its operated position by a diaphragm chamber 59 having a diaphragm 66 therein acting on a sliding stem 6| which thrusts against the intermediate lever 54.

The pressure side of the diaphragm chamber 59 is connected by a pipe 62 to the coupling 48. Obviously, both push buttons 49, 52 must be depressed and held depressed while the press is closing and when the press is closed, or the piston |3 passes the port in the casing 50, both valves will be locked in closed position by reason of the air passing back from the cylinder to the pipes 47, 62 to the diaphragm chambers. If the push button 52 only is depressed, nothing will happen, because the intake valve 32 will remain closed. If only the push button 49 is depressed, the air will pass from the coupling 38 out past the exhaust valve 56 in the casing 51. Hence, to effect the closing of the press, both push buttons 49 and 52 must be depressed.

To open the press, the air is exhausted from the diaphragm chambers 45, 59 by means of a normally closed spring pressed exhaust valve 63 in a valve casing 64 which is connected by a pipe 65 into any pipe communicating with the diaphragm chambers. It is here shown as connected to the pipe 92. The exhaust valve is operated by a trip or release lever 99, this being grouped with one or the other of the push buttons 40, 92,

The controls for the motor which actuates the booster lever I9 or I9 comprises, an automatically operated valve consisting of a casing 61 having a normally closed spring pressed intake valve 99 and a normally open exhaust valve 69 therein, the two valves being connected by a stem I9, so that they act as a unit. These valves are operated automatically by pressure operated means as a diaphragm chamber l'I having a diaphragm I2 therein which acts on a sliding stem I3 thrusting against one arm of a lever I4, the other arm of which thrusts against the stem I5 of the exhaust valve I59.

The pressure side of the diaphragm chamber is connected by a pipe it to any pipe controlled by the port in the valve casing 50. It is here shown as connected to the pipe il leading to the diaphragm chamber 99. Obviously, after the press is preliminarily closed by the depression of both push buttons 49, 92, the air pressure will pass back from the cylinder I2 after the piston I9 clears the port in the casing 59, the air passing through the pipe 9'! to lock the valves in the casings 32 and 9? in their operated position and also, through the pipe iii to the diaphragm chamber 'II to operate the valves in the casing 91 to permit the air to flow to the cylinder 23 to actuate the booster lever I9.

Upon operation of the trip or release lever 96, the air will be exhausted from all diaphragm chambers 45, 59, HI permitting the press to open.

In the operation thus far described, depression of the push buttons 49, 52 straightens the toggle links I and 9 until the head I comes down on the buck 2, or the work thereon, with pressure and until the pressure is overcome by the resistance of the work and the padding. When this occurs, the toggle is in any one of a plurality of nearly straightened positions and the follower or shoulder 22 is over and slightly spaced from the face 2|. This occurs shortly after the piston I3 uncovers the port in the casing 59. Thereafter, the air enters the cylinder 23 or 23 and actuates the pry or booster lever I9 or I9 to apply final pressure, this being sufficient in all cases to compensate for different thicknesses of the work and compression of the padding, so that a uniform final pressure is delivered regardless of the thickness of the work and the padding and the compression of the padding and without any adjustments or any attention on the part of the operator.

In Figure 6, the valve casings 89 and 9I corresponding to the valve casings and Eli are unprovided with locking means or diaphragm chambers and after the press is preliminarily closed and the push buttons 82, 99 corresponding to the push buttons ill and 52 are released, the air is free to exhaust from the cylinder I2 which effects the closing of the press and the press is held closed by the pressure in the cylinder 94 corresponding to the cylinder 29.

In the construction shown in Figure 6, is a valve casing having a normally closed spring pressed intake valve 86 and a normally open exhaust valve 91 therein, the two valves being connected by a stem 89 so that they act as a unit. The intake end of the casing 35 is connected by a pipe 99 to the supply pipe 99 corresponding to the supply pipe 36 in Figure 5. The valve casing 95 is connected at a point between the valves 86, 81 by a pipe 9I leading to the intake end of the cylinder 84. The valves 89,81 are operated by pressure operated means as a diaphragm chamber 92 having a diaphragm 93 therein acting on a sliding stem 99 which acts upon one end of a lever 95, the other end of which thrusts against the stem 96 of the exhaust valve 81.

The pressure side of the diaphragm 92 is connected by a pipe 97 to a valve casing 98 on the cylinder I 2 corresponding to the valve casing 59, Figure 5, which casing has a port, not shown, opening into the cylinder and arranged to be uncovered by the piston when the piston approaches the end of its power stroke. When the port in the casing 98 is uncovered, the air pressure passes back through the pipe 9'! actuating the diaphragm 93 and through the sliding stem 94 and lever 95 closes the exhaust valve in and opens the intake Valve 86, thus permitting air to flow to the cylinder 84 to actuate the booster lever.

The valves 89, 31 are automatically locked in their operated position by pressure operated means as a diaphragm chamber 99 having a diaphragm I99 therein acting on a sliding stem I95 which thrusts against one arm of a lever I92, the other arm of the lever being arranged to coact with the lever 95. The pressure side of the diaphragm chamber 99 is connected by a duct I03 to the interior of the valve casing 95. Thus, when the valves 89, 81 are operated by the diaphragm 93 as just described, the motive fluid or compressed air will flow from the chamber 95, through the duct I93 to the diaphragm chamber 99 so that the lever I92 will be actuated to lock the valves 86, 81 in their operated position and thus, lock the press closed.

The air pressure is released from the diaphragm chamber 99 to open the press by a normally closed spring pressed exhaust valve I99 in a casing I 95, which casing is connected by a pipe I99 to the pressure side of the diaphragm chamber 99. The exhaust valve I94 is' operated by a trip or release lever I97.

In the form shown in Figure 6, both push buttons B2, 83 are depressed to eiTect the closing of the press and when the piston in the cylinder Ii. passes the port in the casing 99, air pressure will pass into the diaphragm chamber 92 and open the intake valve 89 and close the exhaust valve 81, permitting air to pass from the main supply line 99 to the cylinder 8 and actuate the pry or boost lever I9 or I9 and also, these valves 89, Bl will be locked in their operated position by the diaphragm I99.

To open the press, the release lever IN is operated to exhaust the air from the diaphragm chamber 99 and when the air is thus released from the diaphragm chamber 99, the holding force on the lever I92 is released, permitting the Valves 89, Bl to return to their normal position under the influence of a spring behind the intake valve 89. When this occurs, air has already been exhausted from the diaphragm chamber 92 by reason of the fact that the operator has presumably released the two push buttons 82, 83 so that the air is free to exhaust from the cylinder I2 and hence, from the diaphragm charnber 92 through the p'pe 9'5 and valve casing 98.

In Figure 7, the flow of air to and from the cylinder I2 is controlled by a valve arrangement similar to that operated by the push buttons 32, 99 shown in Figure 6, but the operation of the valve for controlling the flow of motive fiuid to before boosting action begins.

the cylinder 84 which aotuates the booster lever I9 or I8 is controlled through a check valve I20 connected to the port 98 which opens into the cylinder I2 when the piston. has nearly completed its power stroke, this check valve serving to delay the operation of the piston in the cylinder 84.

I08 designates a valve casing corresponding to the valve casing 05, Figure 6, and having a normally closed spring intake valve I09 and a normally open exhaust valve H therein connected by a stem I I I. The intake end of the valve casing I08 is connected by a pipe H2 to a supply pipe H3 corresponding to the supply pipe 90, Figure 6. The valves I09, H0 are operated by a diaphragm chamber H4 having a diaphragm H5 therein, which, through a sliding stem II6 actuates a lever II'I acting on the stem H8 of the exhaust valve H0.

The pressure side of the diaphragm chamber I I4 is connected by a pipe I I9 to the check valve casing I having a spring pressed check valve I2I therein, thi casing being connected by a pipe I22 to the port in the valve casing 98 opening into the cylinder I2 When the piston in the cylinder I2 does uncover the port in the casing 88, the pressure does not immediately pass with its full force to the diaphragm chamber H4 as the pressure is delayed by the operation of the check valve HI and the pressure must build up in the cylinder l2 sufiiciently to overcome the resistance to the check valve I2I and this delay permits more pressure to be delivered through the toggle links When SllfilClBIlt air has passed the check valve I2I pressure will build up in the diaphragm chamber H4 to operate the intake valve I08 and close the exhaust valve I I0. The press is held locked by a normally closed spring pressed exhaust valve I23 in a casing I24 connected by a pipe I25 to the pipe H9. This exhaust valve I23 is operated by a trip or release lever I25.

To open the press after it has been closed as described, the trip lever I28 is operated to exhaust the air from the diaphragm chamber H4 thus permitting air to exhaust from the cylinder 84 and hence permitting the press to be opened by the countersprings.

In Figure 8, the control mechanism is quite similar to that shown in Figure '7 The flow of motive fluid to and from the cylinder I2 is controlled by valves in casings I30 and I3I operated by push buttons I32, I33 similar to the valves in casings 80, BI and push buttons 82, 83, Figure 6.

The flow of motive fluid to the cylinder 84 is controlled by valves similar to those shown in Figure 7 and located in the casing I08. In Figure 8 a corresponding casing I34 contains a normally closed spring pressed intake valve I35 and a normally open exhaust valve I35 connected by a stem I3! so that they act as a unit. The intake end of the casing I34 is connected by a pipe I38 and coupling I39 to the supply pipe I40. The casing is connected between its ends by a pipe I4I to the intake port of the cylinder 84. The valves I35 and I35 are locked in their operated position by a diaphragm chamber I42 having a diaphragm I43 which, through a sliding stem I 44 acts on a lever I45 thrusting against the stem I46 of the exhaust valve I38. The pressure side or" the diaphragm chamber I42 is connected by a pipe I4? to a valve casing I48. The valve casing I48 is connected by a pipe I49 to the valve casing 98 on the cylinder, which valve casing has a port opening into the cylinder I 2 in position to be uncovered by the piston when the piston approaches the end of its power stroke.

The valve casing I48 has a valve I50 therein acted on by a spring I5I which normally tends to open it. The valve casing also has a diaphragm chamber I52 having a diaphragm I53 therein which acts to hold the valve I50 against its seat against the action of its spring I5I. The diaphragm chamber I52 is connected by a pipe I54 to the coupling I39 in the feed line I40. Thus, the diaphragm I53 is normally under pressure to hold the check valve I50 closed. Upon depression of the push buttons I32, I33, the air will flow to the cylinder I2 to actuate the piston on its power stroke as in the other constructions, and when the piston uncovers the port in the casing 98, the air pressure will pass through the pipe I49 to the valve casing I48 and in conjunction with the spring I5I, open the valve I50 against the action of the diaphragm I53.

The air passes from the valve casing I48 through pipe I4! to the diaphragm chamber I42 and efiects the closing of the exhaust valve I36 and the opening of the intake valve I35, permitting the air to flow to the cylinder 84 and actuate the piston therein to operate the pry lever I9 or I9 The pressure of the spring I5I and the pressure built up in the valve casing I48 through the pipe I49 overcomes the pressure on the diaphragm I53 sufficiently to open the valve I50 and permit the air to flow through the pipe I41 to the diaphragm chamber I42 to operate the valves I35, I36. When this takes place, the operator has presumably removed his hands from the push buttons I32, I33 so that the air is free to exhaust from the cylinder I2 Hence, there is no pressure assisting the spring I5I to hold the valve I50 open and the pressure through the pipe I54 again closes the valve I50 through the medium of the diaphragm I53 so that the air is now trapped in the diaphragm chamber I42 to hold the valves I35 and I36 in their operated position and hence, to hold the press closed. The press is opened by exhausting the air from the diaphragm chamber I42 by means of a normally closed spring pressed exhaust valve I58 in a casing I51, which casing is connected by a pipe I58 to the pipe I4'I at I59. The valve I58 is operated by a trip lever I60.

In the operation of the construction shown in Figure 8, the operator depresses both push buttons I32, I33 causing the piston in the cylinder I2 to move the toggle toward straightened position. When the piston passes the port in the casing 98, the air pressure passes through the pipe I43 to the valve casing I48 under the valve I50. The pressure of the spring I5I and of the air pressure built up through the pipe I49 overcomes the pressure on the upper side of the diaphragm I53 permitting the air pressure to pass through the pipe I41 to the diaphragm chamber I42. The diaphragm I43 aotuates the stem I44 and lever I45 thereby closing the exhaust valve I35 and opening the intake valve I35 and permitting air to fiow from the pipe I38 through the valve casing I34 and pipe I4I to the cylinder 84 to actuate the booster lever I9 or I9 When the valves I35, I36 are thus operated the air will pass from the valve casing I34 through the duct I to the diaphragm chamber I42 and lock the valves in their operated position. When the operator removes his hands from the push buttons I32, I33, the air pressure below the valve I50 is the valve 550 will open. that when the pressure in the feed line is 60 released so that the diaphragm I53 again closes the valve I50.

In the form shown in Figure 8, owing to the delayed pressure valve in the casing l48,'the motor l2 has delivered all the pressure it can, even though thepiston therein has uncovered the-port in the casing 98 on the cylinder 12 In other words, the motor I 2 continues to deliver pressure until the resistance offered to the head equalizes that of the power of the motor. In the construction shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the power is relayed to the second motor immediately when the piston uncovers the port and the piston in the first cylinder I? does not necessarily deliver full pressure before the power is relayed to the second cylinder.

In the form shown in Figure 8, owing to the delaying valve Hi8 a maximum follow-up is provided and the full length of slot I8 is available for the boosting operation and no part of the movement of the piston in this cylinder is wasted in taking up lost motion that would otherwise occur when the head comes down on the work and the piston in the cylinder l2 has uncovered the port in the casing 98.

In the form shown in Figure 8, the pressure continues to build up the cylinder l2 and hence further actuates the piston after the piston has uncovered the port in the casing 98, until the presa sure is built up in the valve casing 548 sufiiciently to open the valve l 50 against the diaphragm E53. Hence the first piston and cylinder has delivered practically maximum pressure before the piston in the second cylinder 8 begins to operate.

In the form shown in Figure 7, the check valve I2! is opened at any pressure sufiicient to overcome the spring thereof, say 50 pounds, and it will always open at 50 pounds pressure regardless of whether the air pressure in the feed is 60, 70 or i 80 pounds etc.

In Figure 8, owing to the diaphragm I53, a balance or relation is maintained between the pressure in the feed line and the pressure at which For instance, assume regardless of the thickness of the work, or the amount of compression or settling of the padding, or in other Words, it is particularly advantageous because it provides for an automatic follow-up mechanism regardless of the thickness of the work and the padding and the amount of compression of the padding.

What I claim is:

1. In a pressing machine, a frame, cooperating pressing elements, one of which is movable toward and from the other, actuating mechanism for the movable element including two sections normally out of coacting relation, one section being movable to close the press and bring said section into eifective motion transmitting relation with the other section, and means foractuating the sections successively, the first section being connected to the movable element and the second section including a pry lever pivoted to the frame. 2. In a pressing machine, a frame, cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other, mechanism for actuating the movable element including twosections, one section comprising toggle links pivotally connected together, one link being connected to the movable element and capable of endwise movement relatively to the other link, and the other section comprising a booster lever pivoted to the frame and coactinng with, the endwise movable link when the toggle straightens, and means for actuating the toggle and the leversuccessively.

3. In a pressing machine, a frame, co9peratingpressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other, actuating mechanism for the movable element including two sections, one section comprising toggle lines pivotally connected together, one link being connected to the movable element and being movable endwise relatively to the other toggle link and the other section comprising a booster lever pivoted to the frame, the endwise movable link having a shoulder thereon normally out of juxta-position with said lever and movable into juxta-position as the toggle straightens during the closing of the press and means for actuating the toggle and the lever successively.

4. In a pressing machine, a frame, cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other, mechanism for actuating the movable element, including two sections, one section comprising toggle links pivotally connected together, one link being connected to the movable element and capable of endwise movement relatively to the other link, and the other section comprising a booster lever pivoted to the frame and coacting with the endwise movable link when the toggle straightens, and means for actuating the toggle and the lever successively, the endwise movable link having a bearing surface, the lever extending at an angle to the straightened toggle and having a face extending lengthwise thereof for coacting with said bearing surface.

5. In a pressing machine, a frame, cooperating pressing elements, one of which is movable toward and. from the other, actuating mechanism for the movable element including two sections, one section comprising toggle links pivotally connected together, one being connected to the movable element and being movable endwise relatively to theother toggle link, and the other section comprising a booster lever pivoted to the frame, the 1 means for actuating the toggle and lever successively, the lever extending at an angle to the straightened toggle and having an engaging face extending lengthwise thereof and coacting with said shoulder.

6. In a pressing machine, a frame; cooperating pressing elements, one of which is movable toward and. from the other; mechanism for actuating the movable element, including two sections, one section including toggle links pivotally connected together, one link being connected to the movable element and capable of endwise movement relative to the other link and provided with a shoulder, and the other section including booster lever pivoted to the frame and coacting with the endwise movable link when the toggle straightens; means for actuating the toggle and the lever successively; the lever extending at an angle to the straightened toggle and having a face extending lengthwise thereof for coacting with said shoulder, the.

shoulder and the face having coacting means to prevent folding of the to gle during the action of the lever.

'7. In a pressing machine, a frame, cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable to- Ward and from the other, mechanism for actuating the movable element comprising two sections, one section comprising toggle links pivotally connected together, one link being connected to the movable element and capable of endwise movement relatively to the other link and provided with a bearing surface and the other section comprising a booster lever pivoted to the frame and coacting with the endwise movable link when the toggle straightens, and means for actuating the toggle and the lever successively, the lever extending at an angle to the straightened toggle and having a face extending lengthwise thereof for coacting with said bearing surface, said face extending in an arc concentric with the arc of movement of the joint of the toggle, the bearing surface and the face having coacting means to prevent folding of the toggle during the boosting action of the lever.

8. In a pressing machine, a frame, a buck mounted on the frame, a head movable toward and from the buck, a lever carrying the head, the lever being pivoted to the frame, mechanism for actuating the head comprising toggle links pivoted together and respectively to the frame and to said lever, the link pivoted to the head carrying lever being connected to the other link to have a relative endwise movement and being formed with a bearing surface, a booster lever pivoted to the frame and extending in a general direction parallel to the head carrying lever and having an are shaped face extending lengthwise thereof and in an are substantially concentric with the arc of movement of the joint of the toggle, said bearing surface and said arc shaped face being arranged so that the bearing surface slightly clears said are shaped face during the straightening movement of the toggle and means for straightening the toggle and operating the booster lever successively.

9. In a pressing machine, a frame, a buck mounted on the frame, a head movable toward and from the buck, a lever carrying the head, the lever being pivoted to the frame, mechanism for actuating the head including toggle links pivoted together and respectively to the frame and to said lever, the link pivoted to the head carrying lever being connected to the other link to have a relative endwise movement and being formed with a bearing surface, a booster lever pivoted to the frame and extending in a general direction parallel to the head carrying lever and having an are shaped face extending lengthwise thereof and in an are substantially concentric with the arc of movement of the joint of the toggle, said bearing surface and said face being arranged so that the bearing surface slightly clears said face during the straightening movement of the toggle and means for straightening the toggle and operating the booster lever successively, said bearing surface and said face having means for preventing retrograde movement of the toggle links during the boosting action of the booster lever.

10. In a garment or laundry pressing machine, in combination, cooperative pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other; operating mechanism for the movable pressing element including, a first fluid operated cylinder and piston motor to initially close the press, and.

a second fluid operated motor to apply heavy pressure to the pressing element; operator-operated control means for supplying working fluid to the first motor; pressure operated control means for supplying working fluid to the second motor; and a port line, connected with the cylinder of the first motor in position to be uncovered by the piston after it has completed a portion of its stroke, and connected with the pressure operated control means to supply working fluid for operating said pressure operated control means.

11. In a garment or laundry pressing machine, in combination, cooperative pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other; operating mechanism for the movable pressing element including, a first fluid operated motor to initially close the press, and a second motor to apply heavy pressure to the pressing elements; operator-operated control means for supplying working fluid to the first motor; automatic control means for the second motor including mechanism operated by working fluid from the first motor; and conduit means connected with the automatic control means and connected with the first motor in position to receive working fluid from the first motor when said first motor has operated a predetermined distance in moving the press toward preliminary closed position.

12. In a garment or laundry pressing machine, in combination, cooperative pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other; operating mechanism for the movable pressing element including, a first fluid operated cylinder and piston motor to initially close the press, and a second fluid operated motor to apply heavy pressure to the pressing elements; operator-operated valve means for controlling the supply of working fluid to the first motor; pressure operated valve means for controlling the supply of working fluid to the second motor; and a port line, connected with the cylinder of the first motor in position to be uncovered by a piston after it has traveled substantially the distance necessary to initially close the press, said port line being also connected with the pressure operated valve means so as to supply working fluid for operating said pressure operated valve means.

13. In a pressing machine, cooperating pressing elements, one of which is movable toward and from the other, actuating means therefor including a pair of successively operable, fluid operated motors, a feed system, operator-operated valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid from said system to the first motor, auto matic valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid from said system to the second motor and a delayed pressure valve in the system between the first motor and the control means for the second motor, said delayed valve means including a casing, a movable pressure member in the casing, the casing on one side of the member being connected to the feed system, a valve in the casing, a spring acting on the valve tending to open it against the movable member in the valve casing, a pipe connecting the valve casing from a point below the valve to the first motor and a pipe connecting the valve casing from a point between the movable member in the valve casing and the valve therein to the operating means for the second motor.

14. A garment or ironing press comprising a frame, cooperative pressing jaws, one of which is movable with respect to the other to open and close the press, actuating mechanism for the movable pressing jaw including an extensible, I6

toggle, a booster lever pivoted on the frame and having a wedge-shaped face extending longitudinally thereof, means for closing the press and moving the toggle toward substantially straightened position with a portion thereof overlying one end of the booster lever, a V-slot on the overlying portion of the toggle for engaging the wedge-shaped face of the booster lever, and means to operate the booster lever to thrust against the V-slot to extend the toggle and apply heavy pressure to the pressing elements.

15. A garment or ironing press comprising coacting press jaws, one of which is movable toward and from the other, means for actuating the movable jaw including a toggle having an endwise movable portion, means for straightening the toggle, booster means for moving said portion endwise when the toggle assumes a substantially straightened position, said booster means and the endwise portion having complementary wedgeshaped engaging faces.

16. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other, actuating means therefor including a pair of successively-operable pressure-operated motors, operator-operated means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the first motor, automatic means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the second motor upon a predetermined extent of movement of the actuating means, and means for delaying the operation of the automatically operated means for a period after the actuating means has completed the predetermined extent of movement.

1'7. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other, actuating means therefor including a pair of successivelyoperable pressure-operated motors, operator-operated valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the first motor, automatic valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the second motor upon a predetermined extent of movement of the actuating means, means for delaying the operation of the automatically operated valve means for a period after the first motor has been actuated the predetermined extent of movement, means for automatically looking the operator-operated valve means in its operated position, and operator-operated valve releasing means.

18. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other, actuating means all of said valve means.

19. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other, actuating means therefor including a pair of successively-operable motors, operator-operated means for conmatic means for controlling the operation of the second motor upon a predetermined extent of movement of the actuating means, and means controlled by the pressure in the first motor for delaying the operation of the automatically operated means controlling the second motor for a period after the first motor has moved the predetermined extent of movement and delivered a predetermined pressure.

20. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other, actuating means therefor including a pair of successively-operable pressure-operated motors having movable members, operator-operated valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the first motor, automatic valve means for controlling the flow of motive fiuid to the second motor upon a predetermined extent of movement of the actuating means, including means controlled by the pressure in the first motor for preventing the operation of the automatic valve means controlling the second motor for a period after the actuating means has moved the predetermined extent of movement and until the resistance offered to the movable pressing element is sufiicient to cause the pressure in the first motor to build up to a predetermined degree and means for holding the press closed and for controlling the opening thereof.

21. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other, actuating means therefor including a pair of successively-operable fluid-operated motors, operator-operated valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the first motor, automatic valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the second motor, including means to prevent operation of the automatic valve means until after the first motor has moved a predetermined distance, and a delayed pressure valve between the first motor and the control means for the second motor.

22. An actuating mechanism comprising fluid operated motors each having a movable power member, a feed pipe for a motive fluid having branches leading to the motors respectively, control valve means in each branch, manual means for operating the control valve means in one branch, pressure operated means for operating the control valve means in the other branch, means connected with the pressure operated means and controlled by the movable member of that motor which is controlled by the manual means for controlling a flow of fluid to and from the pressure operated means, and means to release the pressure in the motors.

23. An actuating mechanism including fluid operated motors, a feed pipe for a motive fluid having branches leading respectively to the motors, one of the motors comprising a cylinder and a piston movable therein, a control valve means in each branch, manual means for operating the control valve means in the branch leading to the cylinder and pressure operated means for operating the control valve means in the other branch, an intake and exhaust pipe for the pressure operated means, a port in the side of the cylinder arranged to be uncovered by the piston during the movement of the piston, said intake and exhaust pipe being connected to the port and hence to the feed pipe through the cylinder.

24. An actuating mechanism comprising fluid operated motors, a movable member for each motor, a feed pipe for a motive fluid having branches leading respectively to the motors, control valve means in each branch, manual means for operating the control valve means in one branch, pressure operated means for operating the control valve means in the other branch, a second pressure operated means for holding the manual control means in its operated position, the second pressure operated means having an intake and exhaust pipe, means controlled by the movement of the movable member of that motor which is controlled by the manual means for controlling the flow through said intake and exhaust pipe, an intake and exhaust pipe for the first pressure operated means connected to the intake and exhaust pipe of the second pressure operated means, and means to exhaust the motors.

25. An actuating mechanism comprising fluid operated motors, one of which comprises a cylinder and a piston movable therein, a feed pipe for the motive fiuid having branches leading to the motors respectively, control valve. means in each branch, manual means for operating the control valve means in the branch supplying the cylinder, and pressure operated means for operating the control valve means in the other branch, a second pressure operated means for holding the manually operated control means in its operated position, a combined intake and exhaust conduit leading to the second pressure operated means and also connected to the first pressure operated means, the cylinder having a port on one side thereof arranged to be passed by the piston, to be controlled thereby and the intake and exhaust conduit connecting with the port, and means to exhaust the motors.

26. An actuating mechanism comprising fluid operated motors, one of which comprises a cylinder and a piston movable therein, a feed pipe for the motive fluid having branches leading to the motors respectively, control valve means in each branch, manual means for operating the control valve means in the branch supplying the cylinder, pressure operated means for operating the control valve means in the other branch and for holding the manually actuated control valve means in its operated position, a combined intake and exhaust conduit connected with the pressure operated means, the cylinder having a 1 port on one side thereof arranged to be passed by the piston to be controlled thereby and the intake and exhaust conduit connecting with the port, and means for releasing the fluid in said pressure operated means.

2'7. An actuating mechanism comprising fluid operated motors, each having a movable power member, a feed pipe for a motive fluid having branches leading to the motors respectively, control valve means in each branch, manual means for operating the control valve means in one branch, and pressure operated means for operating the control valve means in the other branch and connected with a source of fluid pressure, and. means controlled by the movable member of that motor controlled by the manual means for controlling the flow of fluid to and from the pressure operated means, and means for releasing the motive fluid in the pressure operated means.

28. An actuating mechanism comprising fluid operated motors, a movable member for each motor, a feed pipe for a motive fluid having branches leading respectively to the motors, control valve means in each branch, manual means for operating the control, valve means in one branch and pressure operated means for operating the control Valve means in the other branch, a second pressure operated means for holding the manual control means in its operated position, the second pressure operated means having an intake and exhaust pipe, means controlled by the movement of the movable member of that motor which is controlled by the manual means for controlling the flow through said intake and exhaust pipe to operate the second pressure operated means, an intake and exhaust pipe for the first pressure operated means connected to the intake and exhaust pipe of the second pressure operated means, and means for releasing the motive fluid in the first and second pressure operated means.

29. An actuating mechanism for a garment or ironing press comprising a first and second fiuid operated motor, the first motor including a cylinder and a piston movable therein, a control valve means connected with each motor, manual means for operating the control valve means for the first motor, pressure operated means for operating the control valve means for the second motor to feed fluid thereto, means controlled upon a predetermined extent of movement of the piston of the first motor for connecting the pressure operated means to a source of fluid pressure whereby the control valve means for the second motor is operated, and means to exhaust the motors.

30. An actuating mechanism for a garment or ironing press comprising a first and second fluid operated motor, the first motor including a cylinder and a piston movable therein, a control valve means connected with each motor, manual means for operating the control valve means to the first motor, pressure operated means for operating the control valve means to the second motor, a port in the side of the cylinder of the first motor arranged to be uncovered by the piston during the movement thereof, means connecting the port to the pressure operated means, and means to exhaust the motors.

31. An actuating mechanism for a garment or ironing press comprising a first and second fluid operated motor having movable members, control valve means connected with each motor, manual means for operating the control valve means to the first motor, pressure operated means for operating the control valve means to the second motor, a second pressure operated means for holding the manually operated control means in its operated position, means operated by the movement of the movable member for the first motor for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the two pressure operated means whereby the manually operated control means are held in operated position and the control valve means for the second motor is operated, and means to exhaust the motors.

32. An actuating mechanism for a garment or ironing press comprising a first and second fluid operated motor one of which comprises a cylinder and a piston movable therein, control valve means connected with each motor, manual means for operating the control valve means to the first motor, pressure operated means for operating the control valve means to the second motor, a second pressure operated means for holding the manual means in its operated position, the cylinder having a port therein connected With the two pressure operated means and passed by the piston to deliver motive fluid to both pressure operatedmeans whereby the manually operated control means are held in operated position and the control valve means for the second motor is opened, and means to exhaust the motors.

33. An actuating mechanism for a garment or ironing press comprising a first and second fluid operated motor one of which includes a cylinder and a piston movable therein, control valve means connected with each motor, manual means for operating the control valve means for the first motor, pressure operated means for operating the control valve means for the second motor, a second pressure operated means for holding the manually operated control valve means in its operated position, the cylinder having a port therein connected with the two pressure operated means and passed by the piston to deliver motive fluid to both pressure operated means whereby the manually operated control means are held in operated position and the control valve means for the second motor is opened, and

means for releasing the fluid in said pressure operated means.

34. An actuating mechanism comprising fluid operated motors, each having a movable power member, a feed pipe for a motive fluid having branches leading to the motors respectively, control valve means in each branch, manual means for operating .the control valve means in one branch, and pressure operated means for operating the control valve means in the other branch, an intake and exhaust pipe for the pressure operated means connected in communication with the feed pipe, and means controlled by the movable member of that motor controlled by the manual means for controlling the flow of fluid to and from the pressure operated means, and means for releasing the motive fluid in the motor controlled by the manual means and the pressure operated means.

ERNEST DAVIS. 

